A counselor in Brooklyn 's Orthodox Jewish community was found guilty Monday of sexually abusing a girl over a period of three years in a case that one victim 's advocate described as marking `` a new era . ''

Nechemya Weberman , 54 , was found guilty on all 59 counts he was facing , including sexual conduct against a child . He faces a possible sentence of 117 years in prison , the Kings County District Attorney 's office said .

The abuse began in 2007 , when the girl 's parents hired the unlicensed counselor to help their then-12-year-old daughter ; it continued -- mostly in his office -- until 2010 , the district attorney 's office said in a news release . The victim , who testified at trial , is now 17 , it said .

Pearl Reich , a former Orthodox Jew who identifies herself as a victim 's advocate , said the verdict ushers in `` a new era for the Jewish religious community . '' Reich told CNN affiliate WCBS that the victim will need a lot of help , but that Weberman 's conviction is part of the healing process .

`` We 're very hopeful that this will lead to other young women in this community and other communities understanding that they can come forward , '' District Attorney Charles Hynes told reporters . `` They will be protected . ''

The case highlighted practices of the conservative Satmar Hasidic community , many of whom live in the insular Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of South Williamsburg , Brooklyn .

Joel Engelman , an advocate against sexual abuse among Orthodox Jews who described himself as a survivor of such abuse , said it is rare for respected members of the community to face such allegations in court .

In the past , members of the community have intimidated and pressured those who have accused their leaders of sexual abuse , he said .

The case came to light last year , when four men were arrested and accused of trying to bribe Weberman 's victim and her boyfriend to get them to drop the case against Weberman , a spokesman for the district attorney said .

`` There was a huge fundraiser for the accused Weberman , and the entire community structure was filled with propaganda and hate against the victim in an effort to shut -LRB- her and her family -RRB- up , '' Engelman said . `` Thankfully , the courage of the young survivor has been tremendous , and she was able to withstand and go through with the process . ''

George Farkas , Weberman 's attorney , was not available for comment . Sentencing is set for January 9 .

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The abuse began when the girl was 12

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Weberman was found guilty on all 59 counts

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He faces a possible sentence of 117 years in prison

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District attorney expresses hope that others will come forward